William Penn Middle School 49

10/13/2026

William Penn Middle School 49 Named Indiana’s 2026 STEM School of Excellence

Students and staff at William Penn Middle School are celebrating a major statewide honor after being named the 2026 Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) STEM School of Excellence.

One of seven IPS middle schools, William Penn received the award Friday, Oct. 2, during the IDOE’s 5th Annual Educational Excellence Awards Gala. William Penn was the lone recipient of the statewide STEM School of Excellence award and will receive a $20,000 monetary gift to support its STEM programs.

The award recognizes the school’s strong commitment to high-quality STEM instruction that’s accessible to all students, and its focus on hands-on instruction with real-world application for William Penn scholars.

Students and staff at William Penn Middle School are celebrating a major statewide honor after being named the 2026 Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) STEM School of Excellence.

09/28/2026

Join IPS Superintendent Dr. Aleesia Johnson for a conversation about the 2026 Operating Referendum this Wednesday 6 p.m. at William Penn Middle School 49.

During these conversations, IPS parents, students, staff, and local community members will gain a clear understanding of how this referendum will impact public education across the city, why funds must be shared between IPS and charter schools, and more.

Learn more at myips.org/news.

09/27/2026

Vivian, Dajia, Prince, and Ms. Jones presented at this week’s board meeting about our Future Center’s success! Thanks for representing us so wonderfully!

09/27/2026

Congrats to our awesome Penn alum, Angel! He’s marching in the trumpet section with the IPS All-City Marching Band and took 3rd place at the Avon Invitational yesterday—one of the state’s biggest and toughest local competitions! We’re so proud that his journey began at Penn!

The Music Department at Penn is thriving! Our first performance is coming up October 29th; we hope to see you there!

09/27/2026

Here are some of our September Students of the Week! We’re SO proud of them!

09/27/2026

STEM Connection and JA Job Spark
field trips! Hands-on learning and career exploration= true STEM education!

08/31/2026

We’ve had SUCH a great start to the year! Experiments, labs, new shoes, Dream Alive, Students of the Week, Attendance Donut Wars, and more! ❤️

08/24/2026

"The classroom is still filled with excitement, laughter, and students learning and growing every day," Luc Sproles said. "I'm still focused on helping my students become the best versions of themselves."

That humility has always defined Sproles. But over the past year, the recognition has amplified something even more important — his voice.

One year after being named IPS Secondary Teacher of the Year, Luc Sproles continues inspiring William Penn Middle School students through STEM, robotics, hands-on learning, and problem-solving.

08/08/2026

Thank you to our newest friends, Chef Kado 509 and Lost Boy Entertainment!
Chef Kado joined us for one of our Back to School Nights this week, and Lost Boy Entertainment befriended our very own Dr. Nichols and donated tons of games our way!

Thanks for being part of the Penn family!

Is your business interested in supporting Penn? Comment or message us and we’ll connect!

08/06/2026

William Penn Middle School 49 has been recognized as a 2025-26 PLTW - Project Lead The Way Distinguished School! 👏

This honor is given to a select number of middle schools across the U.S. for their commitment to increasing student access, engagement, and achievement in career-connected learning through its PLTW Gateway program, a grade 6-8 STEM curriculum.

William Penn Middle School has been named a 2025-26 Project Lead The Way Distinguished School, recognizing its commitment to expanding student access, engagement, and achievement through innovative, career-connected STEM education.